• Unified approvals: The companies would be allowed to purchase within the entire state without obtaining separate licenses from each area.

• Single window clearance: The companies would be allowed to deposit market fee/ cess in selected mandi of their choice instead of going to several mandis.

• Investors would be allowed to bulk purchase from farmers, store and set up retail chains.

• The government would consider exemption on purchase of more than 12.5 acres of land in the state, as per provisions of the land ceiling act.

• Promises to link villages by roads, power supply and irrigation on a priority basis for the area of operation.

The government is already preparing a model agreement to be signed between the farmer and the investor. Besides providing seeds and other inputs to the farmers, the latter is expected to pitch in with microfinance and insurance, thereby reducing the farmers’ risk factor.

“While attracting investors, we have also kept in mind the interest of farmers,” explained Arjun Abhijat, director, Mandi Parishad. They would have the freedom to sell the produce in the open market if the market price is more. The investor has to pay the farmer on the spot. The companies are required to submit daily details of their transaction with the farmers on the website of the Mandi Parishad.

A dispute redressal system has been set up at the state as well as district level. “In no way is a farmer’s ownership of his land threatened even if there are disputes with the company,” said Abhijat.

... contd.